Choice quotes from my 5-year old son and other observations after a week at Disney/Florida

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
The biggest thing most people don't understand about Disney World, apart from the shear size of it, is that Disney really is into the business of making dreams come true.

Does Suzy want to meet Snow White? With a little advance notice, Snow White will charm her socks off. Is Billy a budding rocket scientist/Dinosaur hunter? World renowned scientists in those fields will give a brief Q & A session. Does the gf want a fantasy wedding? Cinderella's coach is standing by (you can arrive in the Back to the future car).

If you can imagine it (and have the money) there are teams of people standing by to make it happen. Want to have a party on the bridge of the Enterprise? Been there done that.

Disney recently added a hotel room (just a single room) and a restaurant to Cinderella's castle. The Cinderella Castle room is something like $2-$3k a night. Eating at the restaurant costs two to three times more than any of the regular places to eat (our meal at Chef Mickey's the first night was $85...we used the meal plan so didn't spend near that amount). During the Million Dreams parade on our second day at Magic Kingdom, a family won a one-night's stay at the Cinderella Castle plus dinner. That must have been pretty sweet.

 

[Born2bwire]

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
The biggest thing most people don't understand about Disney World, apart from the shear size of it, is that Disney really is into the business of making dreams come true.

Does Suzy want to meet Snow White? With a little advance notice, Snow White will charm her socks off. Is Billy a budding rocket scientist/Dinosaur hunter? World renowned scientists in those fields will give a brief Q & A session. Does the gf want a fantasy wedding? Cinderella's coach is standing by (you can arrive in the Back to the future car).

If you can imagine it (and have the money) there are teams of people standing by to make it happen. Want to have a party on the bridge of the Enterprise? Been there done that.

Heh, when my family went to Disney world a while back, can't remember how old I was, my brother and I got picked out of line to be shot in blue screen riding the bee from Honey I Shrunk the Kids. Absolute blast.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Here's a secret they even hide from the media, of course that's SOP, there really is a ballroom in the castle no matter how much it's publicly denied.

It's an intimate space for 150 of your closest friends and costs a mere 50k for an evenings fete.

 

[AccruedExpenditure]

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
Here's a secret they even hide from the media, of course that's SOP, there really is a ballroom in the castle no matter how much it's publicly denied.

It's an intimate space for 150 of your closest friends and costs a mere 50k for an evenings fete.

link to source?

 

[UpgradeFailure]

Originally posted by: Queasy

Disney recently added a hotel room (just a single room) and a restaurant to Cinderella's castle. The Cinderella Castle room is something like $2-$3k a night. Eating at the restaurant costs two to three times more than any of the regular places to eat (our meal at Chef Mickey's the first night was $85...we used the meal plan so didn't spend near that amount). During the Million Dreams parade on our second day at Magic Kingdom, a family won a one-night's stay at the Cinderella Castle plus dinner. That must have been pretty sweet.

As of now you can't pay to stay in the castle. They are giving it away as "Dreams" for the year of a million dreams (For free). After that ends, I'm sure they can't pass up letting anyone book it. Eating in the castle is something everyone should do once. It costs a fortune and the food is pretty crappy to be honest, but the view is amazing, and it's something not everyone does. Last time I was there, Peter Pan was running along side the castle windows waving to kids, it made all their days.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: UpgradeFailure

Originally posted by: Queasy

Disney recently added a hotel room (just a single room) and a restaurant to Cinderella's castle. The Cinderella Castle room is something like $2-$3k a night. Eating at the restaurant costs two to three times more than any of the regular places to eat (our meal at Chef Mickey's the first night was $85...we used the meal plan so didn't spend near that amount). During the Million Dreams parade on our second day at Magic Kingdom, a family won a one-night's stay at the Cinderella Castle plus dinner. That must have been pretty sweet.

As of now you can't pay to stay in the castle. They are giving it away as "Dreams" for the year of a million dreams (For free). After that ends, I'm sure they can't pass up letting anyone book it. Eating in the castle is something everyone should do once. It costs a fortune and the food is pretty crappy to be honest, but the view is amazing, and it's something not everyone does. Last time I was there, Peter Pan was running along side the castle windows waving to kids, it made all their days.

Ahhh ok. I didn't know they were giving it away every day for a year. That's really cool.

I have to agree about the food at some of the dining spots. Chef Mickey's was kind of bland. The Liberty Tree was OK...though the prime rib was pretty good. It's probably more about the experience than the food though.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Originally posted by: AccruedExpenditure

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
Here's a secret they even hide from the media, of course that's SOP, there really is a ballroom in the castle no matter how much it's publicly denied.

It's an intimate space for 150 of your closest friends and costs a mere 50k for an evenings fete.

link to source?

I'm an ex-cast member. The price and availability of Disney resources change all the time. The best route is to call Disney guest services and they will put you in contact with someone from resort services. Except for the physical space, all services are created for the individual's needs/wants. There are no menus or posted offerings. The mentioned 50k was the price paid during the time I worked there.

 

[slpaulson]

Originally posted by: Queasy
- Who knew that England, much less China, had international cheerleading squads? (there was some kind of international cheerleading competition at the Disney Wide World of Sports. Cheerleading squads from around the world were staying at our resort.)

Very nice...

 

[Pacfanweb]

Originally posted by: AccruedExpenditure

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
Here's a secret they even hide from the media, of course that's SOP, there really is a ballroom in the castle no matter how much it's publicly denied.

It's an intimate space for 150 of your closest friends and costs a mere 50k for an evenings fete.

link to source?

Yeah, I'd like to see even a link to a rumor about such a place.

That castle isn't that big, so with the restaurant in there, and the apartment, I don't see how there's any room for even a small ballroom, much less one that is good for 150 people.

Plus, if that many people had been there, wouldn't this be common knowledge by now?

 

[Mrvile]

Last couple times we went to Disneyworld we stayed at the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian, two EXCELLENT resorts (the Polynesian was especially cool). Having been to several amusement parks around the country I can safely say that there is no better place than Disneyworld.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: Mrvile
Last couple times we went to Disneyworld we stayed at the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian, two EXCELLENT resorts (the Polynesian was especially cool). Having been to several amusement parks around the country I can safely say that there is no better place than Disneyworld.

Yes, but also very expensive. 🙂 We got a deal to stay at the All-Star Music resort for $80/night.

We did go to a time-share presentation for Disney time-share properties one morning. They start at $16k and you get a deed with points. You use those points on Disney resorts at Disney World or any of their resorts elsewhere. You also have to pay a yearly maintenance fee starting at just under $800 and going up with the more points you buy. You only "own" the property for 50 years though. After that time, Disney takes it back.

We got to see the new Animal Kingdom resort they are building and it is gorgeous. I just don't see myself dropping $16k (10.75% interest for 10 years!) + $800 a year to spend ~5 days at a Disney resort.

 

[Tifababy]

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: Mrvile
Last couple times we went to Disneyworld we stayed at the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian, two EXCELLENT resorts (the Polynesian was especially cool). Having been to several amusement parks around the country I can safely say that there is no better place than Disneyworld.

Yes, but also very expensive. 🙂 We got a deal to stay at the All-Star Music resort for $80/night.

We did go to a time-share presentation for Disney time-share properties one morning. They start at $16k and you get a deed with points. You use those points on Disney resorts at Disney World or any of their resorts elsewhere. You also have to pay a yearly maintenance fee starting at just under $800 and going up with the more points you buy. You only "own" the property for 50 years though. After that time, Disney takes it back.

We got to see the new Animal Kingdom resort they are building and it is gorgeous. I just don't see myself dropping $16k (10.75% interest for 10 years!) + $800 a year to spend ~5 days at a Disney resort.

I let my wife talk me into purchasing the disney timeshare. Our yearly maintenance fee is $600/yr and it's good for much more than 5 night/yr, probably closer to 10 if you can work your vacation so you don't stay fri or sat nights (those are the most expensive).

We're going on our first Disney Vacation Club (DVC) vacation in June and we're staying in a 2 bedroom 2 bath suite that includes a kitchen and washer/dryer (great for after water parks). And we're going to Disneyland Paris next year because the DVC points also work for resorts in Europe (and Hong Kong and Japan I believe).

 

[j00fek]

😀

 

[EagleKeeper]

Even better than watching your 5 yr old, is watching the grandkids enjoy it.

Helps to have family that works for Disney (free entrance & discounts) plus lodging.
Have to mow the lawn as compenstation and clean the pool. 🙁

Get to spoil the little ones and then head off into the sunset, leaving the parents with the results.

Paybacks are fun:evil:

 

[DVK916]

What kind of sucks is the individual parks at DW are SMALL. Even MK is small. But together all of the parks are big, but individually they are tiny. A hopper pass is a must have really.

I have been their twice in the last two years, and my fav parks in order are:

Animal Kingdom ( A must see, fun for all ages)
MGM (Fantasmic and Rocking Rollercoaster are great)
Epcot (Great shoping, and great foods)
Magic Kingdom (Nice disney classics, and some good shows).

 

[Aikouka]

Originally posted by: MagnusTheBrewer
(you can arrive in the Back to the future car).

You can? 😕 Wouldn't Universal care since the BTTF ride is even at their amusement park?

 

[ebaycj]

Originally posted by: Queasy
Getting on the monorail or ferry after the fireworks end at Magic Kingdom is a giant PITA.

"Por favor mantenganse anejado de las puertas".

 

[OutHouse]

Only small children can make "It's a Small World" enjoyable.

i got stuck once on the small world ride at DisneyLand. I had that damn song stuck in my head for days. i thought i was going to go insane.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: Citrix

Only small children can make "It's a Small World" enjoyable.

i got stuck once on the small world ride at DisneyLand. I had that damn song stuck in my head for days. i thought i was going to go insane.

As an adult, it is genuinely unbearable. But, watching my 20-month old daughter jump up and dance and point and giggle was a hoot.

 

[OutHouse]

Queasy

how much did this trip cost you?

 

[OutHouse]

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: Citrix

Only small children can make "It's a Small World" enjoyable.

i got stuck once on the small world ride at DisneyLand. I had that damn song stuck in my head for days. i thought i was going to go insane.

As an adult, it is genuinely unbearable. But, watching my 20-month old daughter jump up and dance and point and giggle was a hoot.

stuck as in the ride broke down and i was stuck in the tunnel for 20 minutes...

We also got stuck in the pirates of the carribean ride when it broke down but that was much cooler. it happen just after the ride down the log chute.

 

[Dualist]

That showed that your trip must've been exciting. 🙂

 

[SearchMaster]

I have a Disney-related quote for you...

We were riding back to the hotel on the Disney bus after a long day at the park. The driver was trying to keep people awake by telling jokes. He asks, "Why can't Cinderella play basketball?" My five year old screams out, "Because she's a GIRL!" I'll never forget his face as a busload of (female) adults start booing him mercilessly. Of course his answer was way funnier than the "real" answer.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: Citrix

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: Citrix

Only small children can make "It's a Small World" enjoyable.

i got stuck once on the small world ride at DisneyLand. I had that damn song stuck in my head for days. i thought i was going to go insane.

As an adult, it is genuinely unbearable. But, watching my 20-month old daughter jump up and dance and point and giggle was a hoot.

stuck as in the ride broke down and i was stuck in the tunnel for 20 minutes...

We also got stuck in the pirates of the carribean ride when it broke down but that was much cooler. it happen just after the ride down the log chute.

Ahhh....stuck for 20 minutes is a completely different story.

We were stuck on Splash Mountain for about 5 minutes by the singing frog. It was bad timing because we were trying to squeeze in Splash Mountain right before our dinner reservations at the Liberty Tree.

 

[ColdFusion718]

Originally posted by: Queasy
After a week in Florida and three days at Disney parks and 4 and a half days at the Disney resort, my son left me with such gems as:

"We're staying here forever!" (on learning that we arrived at Disney World for his birthday)

and

Son: "When are we moving?"
Me in a wry voice: "Where are we moving?"
Son: "To Mickey's place."

and

"It's OK if the line for Dumbo is long."

and

"Why do we always have to leave when I'm having fun? You're breaking my heart!"

I've also come away with the following thoughts:
- White people (especially fat white people) need to wear more sunscreen. I've never seen so many burnt body parts.
- If signs say, "No shoes, no shirts, no service" why do they continue to let a shoe-less and pants-less Donald in?
- Who knew that England, much less China, had international cheerleading squads? (there was some kind of international cheerleading competition at the Disney Wide World of Sports. Cheerleading squads from around the world were staying at our resort.)
- Tomorrowland should be renamed Pixarland.
- Nothing can cause such conflicting feelings of worry and laughter as watching your 5-year old son run full steam into a closed sliding glass door that he thought was open. You also wish you had the video camera running.
- Flying duck pooping on a gaggle of teenage girls = comedy gold.
- If you stay on the resort, take the buses to and from the parks. Getting on the monorail or ferry after the fireworks end at Magic Kingdom is a giant PITA.
- Only small children can make "It's a Small World" enjoyable.
- I need a better camera.

:thumbsup: